Spinach and Cheese Crostini : Healthy Choice

The Ingredients

In Italian, crostini means "little toast". It's a thin slice (mostly less than half inch) of bread, usually baguette loaf or ciabata. It is usually served toasted or sometimes grilled with assorted of toppings such as the one we're up to right now. Crostini can be added to soups too, very much like croutons.

1 baguette loaf, cut into 1/2″ slices

And the healthy part - Spinach. Spinach is known as a rich source of iron and calcium. According to the USDA, a 180 gram serving of boiled spinach contains 6.43 mg of iron, whereas one 6 oz. (170 gram) ground hamburger patty contains at most 4.42 mg. Thus spinach does contain a relatively high level of iron, compared to other vegetable and meat sources.

1 package (9 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Cream cheese is made from a combination of cream and milk, and is not matured or hardened, as are other cheeses. Instead, it is slightly firmed by the introduction of lactic acid. Frequently, less expensive brands will add stabilizers like guar gum to get the necessary firmness, because the high fat content of the milk products is prone to separating. Some feel that using stabilizers in cream cheese is cheating and they will only eat cream cheese made the “old-fashioned” way. If made without stabilizers, cream cheese may be more crumbly than spreadable, and it has a relatively short, even when kept refrigerated.
1 package (8 oz.) light cream cheese

Well, you can use margarine too.

2 teaspoons butter or margarine

Wide-ranging claims have been made for the effectiveness of onions against conditions ranging from the common cold to heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other diseases. They contain chemical compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory, anticholesterol, anticancer, and antioxidant properties such as quercetin. However, it has not been conclusively demonstrated that increased consumption of onions is directly linked to health benefits. Some studies have shown that increased consumption of onions reduces the risk of head and neck cancers. In India some sects don't eat onion due to its aphrodisiac properties.
1/2 cup finely chopped onion

Garlic is claimed to help prevent heart disease including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer.

1 clove garlic, minced

Bell peppers are packed with several nutrients. They are a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, beta carotene, and folic acid. Bell peppers also contain a large amount of phytochemicals that have exceptional antioxidant activity.

1/4 cup roasted red peppers

Cheese contains a high concentration of essential nutrients, in particular high quality protein and calcium, as well as other nutrients such as phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, and vitamin B12.

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

Place baguette slices on baking sheet. Turn on oven and bake at 375° F for 4 to 6 minutes, or until toasted. Set aside.

Melt butter in 10" skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened. Add spinach. Cook and stir 30 to 60 seconds, or until warm. Cool slightly.

Place cream cheese in mixer bowl. Attach bowl and flat beater to mix. Turn to Speed 2, mix about 30 seconds. Add red peppers. continuing on Speed 2, mix about 30 seconds. Spread spinach mixture on toasted baguette slices. Top each slice with about 1 teaspoon Cheddar cheese. Bake 375° F for 5 to 8 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted. Serve warm.

There you go, a simple but very healthy crostini recipe. Enjoy!

Spinach and Cheese Crostini : Healthy Choice